Andrew’s Podcast: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK

CONVERSATION CREATOR--unveil the magic to boost your career

 
Alex, an HR manager who turns ordinary moments into fascinating exchanges, is an epitome of this role.
Instead of merely engaging in small talk, Alex masterfully designs and enhances fruitful conversations, a skill that adds depth to relationships, increases efficiency, and fosters a vibrant workplace culture.
Being a conversation creator, like Alex, promotes valuable connections amongst colleagues and even links separate departments or remote teams.
Moreover, it helps boost efficiency by addressing topics that require attention, thereby saving not just your time but your teammates’ as well. It offers you the power to clarify situations, reduce confusion, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
To illustrate further, I introduce Maria, a project leader who, despite not realising it, is another example of a conversation creator.
Maria ensures her team is well-prepared by shaping robust agendas, clarifying expectations, and fostering active engagement.
Consequently, the usually mundane office meetings transform into focused and productive sessions. By utilizing quick chats over lengthy email threads, Maria and Chris another colleague, reduce email overload, contributing to a more efficient work environment.
In this podcast I argue that being an effective conversation creator enhances one's career significantly. Being able to initiate and navigate meaningful discussions can be a career asset that sets you apart.
I also provide five effective techniques to empower conversations at work; firstly, recognizing the need for a conversation, and secondly, understanding the benefits. The next step is preparation and planning which involves good communication techniques and managing emotions during the conversation.
However, being a conversation creator might come with downsides such as the risk of burnout owing to constant availability, blurring boundaries between personal and professional life, and the possibility of inadvertent sharing of sensitive information.
I encourage mindfulness as a way to fully reap the benefits creating good conversations.
I end by suggesting that honing conversational skills is a secret weapon for success at work.
Don't forget to check out my new book Happiness at work is available at Amazon and there is an audio version available. 
Join me next Monday for the next podcast in this series 3. Thanks for listening.
 

AMBITION PLUS HUMILITY--an unbeatable career boost

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Today's episode discusses a seemingly contrastive, yet powerful, pair in the workplace: ambition and humility.
We look into the outstanding career growth of prominent figures like Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, General Motors' CEO, Mary Barra, and former PepsiCo CEO, Indra Nooyi, attributable to their humble leadership styles.
I also explore how humility plays out on a smaller scale, through Maria, a dedicated nurse, and Alex, a software developer, who demonstrate how humility enhances team cooperation and productivity for better patient outcomes and project results respectively.
I delve into the concept of humility as sound ethical practice, examining the wisdom of Investor tycoon, Warren Buffet in this context.
I examine the power of humility in collaboration, trust-building, promoting social harmony and fostering well-being
I challenge the negative view of humility as diminishing self-worth and leading to invisibility. Instead, I suggest humility, combined with ambition, enhances the human experience at work.
A humble individual is one that readily accepts feedback, engages in self-reflection, and acknowledges others, while also celebrating collective achievements.
But I warn against the pitfall of excessive humility, which can cause you to undervalue your contributions and fail to acknowledge your successes. Humility should not be a cover for accepting everything, but should inspire acceptance of praise and recognition of our accomplishments.
Concluding, I reaffirm humility as a strength and an indispensable ingredient for success, especially when blended with ambition.
Discover more valuable insights in my other episodes of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work" every Monday, along with my book "Happiness at Work" book, available at Amazon or the book's website . 

INTER-CONNECTEDNESS --building successful networks at work

Discover the secret behind achieving overall success at work with this particular episode from the third series of MY weekly podcast, "50 Ways to Succeed at Work."
This episode dives into the intriguing and often overlooked aspect of feeling disconnected at work and the profound impact it can have on your overall professional growth.
I share insights from renowned professionals like Tim Cook, Sudha Pichai, Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk, Sheryl Sandberg, and Mark Zuckerberg about the essential role connections play in the corporate world.
This podcast episode highlights the importance of interconnectedness at work and provides real-life strategies to ensure you're not functioning in isolation.
I illustrate the importance of quality over quantity in building meaningful relationships at your workplace, leading to increased job satisfaction, stronger teamwork, and improved mental health.
I also introduce various accelerants  to help you create beneficial relationships and connectedness in your work environment, irrespective of your role. These include investing in reciprocity, unity, and being part of a supportive network.
I offer a practical approach to enhancing your sense of connectedness at work. I propose a list of ten actionable steps, ranging from personal meetings, leveraging social media, joining professional organizations, attending workshops, to being genuinely helpful and authentic.
I also underscore the value of mentorship and the necessity of maintaining relationships, especially for those working remotely.
This podcast episode is a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to establish stronger and more effective networks at work, ensuring increased opportunities for career growth and development.
Check out my book Happiness at Work for more about this essential aspect of workplace success and discover how you too can thrive by harnessing the power of interconnectedness. 
Join me next Monday for another episode on how to become successful at work
 

GOT A TOXIC WORK COLLEAGUE? —here’s how to clean up

 
In this episode, I present effective strategies you can apply to manage toxic behaviour by your colleagues.
I share three real-life vignettes and recommend that empathy, setting boundaries, and fostering team positivity can change a corrosive office environment to a nurturing one.
I dig into various traits a toxic colleague might portray and how best you, as an employee, can handle such negativity.
Some of these tactics include developing your personal strategy, setting expectations, documenting the toxic behaviour, and seeking support when needed. While emphasising the role of HR or management in tackling toxic behaviour, this should be your last resort when all strategies prove futile. However, you need to provide substantial documentation to support your case.
There are several possible reactions to toxic behaviour, ranging from forgiveness to distancing feelings from actions.
There’s also an in-depth discussion about the importance of empathy, building allies at the workplace, and setting boundaries to maintain a healthier work environment.
For more detailed advice and strategies to attain a satisfying work life check out my book Happiness at Work, available on Amazon or at book' website www.myhappinessatwork.site.

THE TRUTH ABOUT FEEDBACK

Welcome to the latest edition of the weekly podcast, ' 50 Ways to Succeed at Work.' Episode 11 explores the often misunderstood concept of feedback and how it impacts professional success.
I explain the true nature of feedback and how it can both help and hinder us in our professional journey.
Contrary to common beliefs, feedback is not always an accurate measure of weakness. I outline the fallacies of feedback and addresses why 'one size doesn't fit all' regarding personal development and career growth.
The podcast explores how being open to constructive and empathetic feedback, actively seeking career-focused conversations, and setting clear goals can set you on the right path to professional success.
I offer actionable advice on what to do when you're doing well but failing to get promoted, noting the importance of seeking clarity from your manager and creating a comprehensive career growth plan.
I emphasise the value of building strategic alliances for visibility and exploring advancement opportunities.
Ultimately, '50 Ways to Succeed at Work' encourages you to view feedback as a valuable tool towards developing your career path and in achieving more job satisfaction.
Join me next week for another insightful episode in Series 3. Remember to check out my book, 'Happiness at Work,' and previous podcast episodes on 50ways.site.

AUTHENTICITY--for a powerful impact on others

In this episode of the podcast series "50 Ways to Succeed at Work," I discuss the concept of authenticity and its significant impact on the workplace.
I explain three different archetypes—the Chameleon, the Mask Wearer, and the Fearful Whisperer—who struggle with showing their authentic selves and how their lack of genuineness affects their careers and work relationships.
Authenticity is about staying true to oneself and building trust, showing openness, and fostering real connections. I highlight the negative implications of hiding one's true self, such as causing cognitive strain, distress, and lack of balance, or even stunting one's full potential.
I stress the importance of being vulnerable, open, and genuine at work and how it can lead to professional and personal growth.
This episode also shares practical ways to nurture authenticity, like being open-minded, respecting others' opinions, making authentic choices, and using self-awareness as a tool for growth.
While acknowledging the potential downsides of authenticity, such as feeling exposed or encountering disagreements, I affirm that the benefits greatly outweigh these, such as increased job satisfaction, reduced stress, and more fulfilling relationships at work.
As with every episode of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work", it provides valuable insights and the necessary motivation to tackle real issues and challenges in the professional world.
Check  out my book on Amazon: Happiness at Work which provides a host of ideas and ways of tackling both authenticity and other work related issues.  
I look forward to you joining me next Monday for the next episode in this series.

MISTAKE MASTERY--the art of surviving work screwups

Welcome to Episode 9 of Series 3 in the weekly podcast, 50 Ways to Succeed at Work.
In this episode I aim to help you deal with the mistakes and screw-ups you may face in your workplace.
Famous celebrities, like Miley Cyrus and Sophie Turner, are examples to illustrate regrets and mistakes.
While failures are part of life, screw-ups often showcase negligence, poor judgment, or systemic issues causing severe circumstances.
Drawing from the film Rashomon, I delve into how multiple perspectives can cloud an understanding of a situation, notably in terms of workplace mistakes.
I introduce the spectrum of mistakes. This ranges from minor slip-ups to severe blunders. I share the critical importance of prioritising to maintain job security as well as self-respect.
The episode underscores the essential step of immediate action, including assessing damage, speaking to relevant people, and devising an action plan.
I touch on common screw-you may encounter in the office, from missed deadlines to giving poor presentations. I offer a variety of strategies to deal with these issues.
Recounting terrifying situations of monumental production failures, I emphasise the need for preventive measures to avoid similar hitches in the future.
I end by urging you to treat screw-ups as shared experiences and opportunities for personal growth. Staying focused, resilient, and learning from one's mistakes can turn anyone into a true mistake master.
Listen to more insights and strategies each Monday on 50 Ways to Succeed at Work.

HUNGRY FOR APPROVAL AT WORK?--how to break free with self validational

In this week's podcast I reveal insights into this critical aspect of professional life--the need for approval, or validation.
I discusses the significance of validation in one's career, taking you on a journey of workplace stories, celebrity narratives and practical tactics to foster self-validation.
The episode unfolds with a relatable example of Selena, a marketing executive thriving on external validation, highlighting the potential issues such a necessity can cause.
Drawing perspectives from renowned personalities like Oprah Winfrey, Nas, and Steve Jobs, I emphasize that the desire for validation is universal. However, when it becomes a dependency, it can lead to problems, particularly in the workplace.
Drawing on his experience, I share measures to maintain a healthy balance between self-belief and the dependency on other's approval.
I recommend methods such as self-reflection, playing one’s devil’s advocate, and allowing opinions to mature before sharing or acting on them.
An important suggestion I share is to have a cooling-off period before responding to contentious matters, helping to prevent knee-jerk reactions governed by the need for instant approval.
This enlightening podcast closes by emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s value and seeking validation from within.
Learn how to let go of your excessive need for approval, allowing for a more self-assured and less conflicted professional life.
Explore more valuable sessions on job success from my weekly Monday podcast. Also check out my book, 'Happiness at Work'.
Tune in next week for another more insight on achieving happiness and prosperity in your career.

RAISING A TRICKY ISSUE WITH SENIORS--and how to survive it

 
This episode focuses on navigating tricky issues with more senior colleagues. It begins by reviewing the complexity of understanding seniors' perspectives and their experience-based approach to work.
The goal is not to isolate or stereotype older colleagues but to foster an empathetic understanding that aids meaningful communication, especially when raising complicated matters at work.
From the disappearance of office supplies to the accidental mass circulation of a sensitive email, the session identifies various awkward situations that one might encounter in your professional journey. The podcast offers prudently, humorous, and empathetic strategies to approach such dilemmas.
Furthermore, the focus is on seeing older colleagues as peers rather than superiors and on showing interest in their experiences.
The session highlights the importance of attending team events, seeking mentors, and engaging in cross-generational conversations.
The podcast suggests survival tactics, including active listening, choosing the right time for discussions, and seeking mediation whenever necessary.
Ultimately, the goal is to empower you to tackle difficult conversations with seniors at work, with empathy and understanding.
You can find other episodes on the podcast website,  Also, Andrew's book "Happiness at Work" is packed with compelling advice and riveting stories; available now on Amazon.
Looking forward to being with for next Monday's podcast. Listen to it on all the main platforms and for free at the podcast website,
 

INDISPENSABLE—resist the lure, it's a trap

Just like the formidable character of Goliath in biblical myths, this episode explores the illusion and reality of becoming indispensable at work and questions whether it's a surefire path to career success.
I share with you stories from the world of business, cinema, and tech that challenge the narrative of indispensability.
I offer real-life stories of people and companies once seen as indispensable who found themselves struggling later on.
From freelancers displaced by artificial intelligence to household names like Kodak and Disney facing crises in the absence of their key leaders, the episode brings to light the pitfalls of overreliance on one aspect, person, or technology.
I discuss the importance of balance and teamwork over individual indispensability. I share how those on the path to becoming indispensable can often end up overburdened and stressed, thus causing more potential harm than benefit to both the individual and the organization.
I particularly stress the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and not overshadowing the contributions of others.
This episode is not just an eye-opener for those striving to make themselves indispensable. It also offers practical advice on how to prevent over-dependence on a few people or resources.
Tune into this episode to understand why becoming indispensable is not necessarily the key to success at work.
Don't forget to check out my other regular Monday podcasts on the website, and get your hands-on my book "Happiness at Work" at Amazon for more such compelling advice and narratives.
Tune in next Monday for another unmissable episode in Series 3 50 Ways to Succeed at Work